Get Creative — The Innovation Challenge is Back

The Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurship has launched the third annual FDU Innovation Challenge, a competition for University faculty (including adjuncts), staff and full-time or part-time undergraduate and graduate students, which encourages creative and innovative ideas for unique products or services.

Faculty or staff members who submit a winning entry will receive $500. Undergraduate and graduate student winners will receive $1,000 (first prize), $500 (second prize) and $250 (third prize). Entries will be judged by a panel of corporate executives, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

To participate, download the entry form at http://www.fdu.edu/rothman . Each form should include the following information:

• Innovation — A detailed description of an innovative product or service. The innovative solution can apply to a for-profit company or a nonprofit organization.

• Need — What overall need or void does this product or service fill?

• Customers — Who will be your target market? How will this be advertised?

• Uniqueness — Will your product be unique or innovative enough to beat the competition? If so, how?

• Competitors — Who are or may be your competitors (direct and indirect)?

• Protect Your Idea — How do you plan on protecting your service or product from competitors?

• Societal Benefit — Will your product or service somehow benefit society overall?

It is important to stay within the word limit specified for each section. Word limits are as follows: innovation title (10 words); innovation description (150 words); customers (125 words); and need, uniqueness, protecting idea and societal benefit (100 words each). Participants will receive a confirmation e-mail within five business days after their entry/application is received.

The Rothman Institute’s mentors-in-residence as well as selected faculty are available to provide guidance and helpful tips.

Completed entry forms must be submitted to fduchallenge@yahoo.com by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 16. All submissions will be kept confidential unless chosen as a winning entry. Only the winning titles will be disclosed. A brief description of the winning idea or product will be disclosed only upon approval of the author.

For information call 973-443-8842 or go to http://www.fdu.edu/rothman . The competition is sponsored by Cognise Consulting.